ORANGE COUNTY, CA — In a boost to the momentum of his general election campaign, as well as a validation of his extensive support from prominent leaders across California, former Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris today endorsed Josh Newman in his campaign for California State Senate.

In a statement released with the announced endorsement, Senator Harris said:

“I’m excited to endorse Josh Newman for State Senate because he has spent his career standing up for what is right. Throughout his career, Josh has been a strong voice for everyday Californians, fighting for greater access to affordable healthcare, the creation of good middle-class jobs, greater investments in local public schools, a green energy future, and increased affordable housing. We need Josh’s common-sense approach in Sacramento helping our state recover from the COVID-19 crisis, and I look forward to helping him get elected.”

In response to Senator Harris’s endorsement, Newman released the following statement:

“I am deeply honored to be able to count on US Senator Kamala Harris’s support in my campaign to again represent the people of California’s 29th district. Senator Harris’s endorsement is especially gratifying for me, given her lifelong commitment to public service and record of fearless advocacy. I’m very grateful for Senator Harris’s endorsement, and I look forward to serving as a partner in Sacramento as California works to build out effective plans and policies for providing economic relief to families and small businesses who have been hit so hard by the economic fallout that has accompanied the pandemic.”

Previously, Newman unveiled a new digital ad titled “Do the Work” that underscores his life’s work and record of service from the United States Army to the California State Senate.To view “Do the Work” click here or on the link below

Newman’s campaign also recently released a new digital video ad, titled “Better Senator,” which highlights his independent, common-sense approach to public service and features the campaign’s branded ice cream truck, allowing voters the opportunity to talk about important issues with the former Senator and his team while enjoying a complimentary “Better Senator” ice cream sandwich. To find out more about upcoming destinations for the “Better Senator,” follow @BetterSenatorCA on Twitter and Instagram or visit BetterSenator.com.

To view the ad, titled “Better Senator,” click here or on the image below:

Previously, the former Senator rolled out his first campaign video, titled “Citizen Newman.” To view the ad click here or on the screen image below:

Since launching his current campaign, Josh Newman has amassed a far-reaching and deep-rooted coalition of support from organizations and leaders, including:

Josh Newman is a United States Army veteran, community activist, father, husband, and former State Senator for the 29th Senate District of California. As an officer in the United States Army, Newman’s active duty military service included assignments with a nuclear weapons detachment in South Korea and with a conventional artillery battalion in the 25th Infantry Division. After a successful post-service professional career in the Internet and mobile technology sectors, Newman founded and served as Executive Director of ArmedForce2Workforce, an initiative founded in 2012 to assist young veterans in the Orange County/Greater Los Angeles area in the pursuit of rewarding, career-oriented post-service employment.

Continuing to give back to his community, in 2016 Newman ran a “bottom-up” campaign against the political establishment — and was elected to the California Senate. In the State Senate, Newman chaired the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. He also sat on the Business & Professions, Health, Insurance & Banking, and Human Services committees.

In Sacramento as well as while back home in the 29th Senate District, Newman was active and accessible, tirelessly serving the 16 cities of the 29th Senate District, continuously putting public service over politics, irrespective of the consequences. Throughout his tenure in the State Senate, Newman focused on finding common sense, pragmatic solutions that help improve the quality of life for California families. His legislation championed veteran services, mental health resources, public education, job creation, environmental protection, equal rights, transportation improvements, and fiscal responsibility.

He and his wife, Darcy Lewis, reside in Fullerton with their daughter and four rescue Chihuahuas.

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove(R-Bakersfield) released the following statement in response to the violent protests across our country:

“Americans have the right to protest and peacefully assemble, but the behavior the nation saw last night is unacceptable.

“Today our state and country woke up with a mixture of emotions. We feel sadness and grief for George Floyd’s family, and we feel anger and frustration with those who would use a tragic event to vandalize, loot, and destroy communities.

“Fighting for justice can affect change, but destroying communities, committing crimes, and inciting violence is not a sustainable way to address these problems. This violent chaos needs to end,” said Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove.

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee today killed Senate Bills 1053 and 1054, legislation authored by Senator John M. W. Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa, which would have increased access to medical care providers by allowing for multi-state licensing for nurses and physical therapists.

The two measures would have joined California into the Nurse and Physical Therapy Licensure Compacts. “I am deeply disappointed with this decision as five Democrats lack the vision to improve healthcare for Californians in need. SB 1053 would have been a huge step forward in preparing for future surges in COVID-19 and other potential emergencies,” said Moorlach. “In addition, SB 1053 and SB 1054 would have greatly eased barriers for military spouses, increased access to tele-health in underserved communities, and reduced costs in our healthcare system. I am committed to continuing this fight for mobility and flexibility in California’s healthcare system.”

Moorlach’s legislation garnered the support of a broad and diverse coalition of stakeholders, including the California Hospital Association, the California Physical Therapists Association, the California Association of Health Facilities, the United States Department of Defense, the AARP, and the California Telehealth Network. The full support list is available below. SB 1054 (Physical Therapy) did not receive any formal opposition and SB 1053 (Nursing) only received formal opposition from the California Nurses Association. Nonetheless, five Democrats on the committee voted to oppose both measures.

SACRAMENTO – Sen. John M. W. Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa, released the following statement today after the Democrat supermajority spiked his Senate Bill 990. It would have temporarily suspended Assembly Bill 5, which kills most freelance jobs.

“It’s unreasonable not to suspend AB 5 – a flawed bill that put tens of thousands of Californians out of work,” said Moorlach. “In the midst of record unemployment, the Legislature should be doing everything in its power to help independent contractors earn a living, not kill livelihoods.”

AB 5 killed thousands of jobs and industries crucial to the Golden State recovering from the coronavirus depression. These jobs include:

SB 990 would have suspended the implementation of AB 5 until January 1, 2022. The bill was heard in the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee, where the Democrat supermajority defeated the bill on a 1 to 4 vote.

State Senator John M. W. Moorlach represents the 37th district of California which encompasses Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, Tustin, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Orange. Senator Moorlach is a trained Certified Financial Planner and the only trained CPA in the California Senate.

SACRAMENTO – Sen. John M. W. Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa, released the following statement in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “May Revision” of the California Budget 2020-21:

There’s a lot missing from Governor Newsom’s May Revision.It is missing real program and staffing cuts for contraction, except for “trigger cuts” pending a hope of additional federal funding (to subsidize state misspending).

Also missing is the elimination of High-Speed Rail funding, thus continuing this boondoggle, which is a sign of budget reduction insincerity.There is no pension reform. No reform to address unfunded retiree medical liabilities.

One-fifth of the funding comes from borrowings and deferrals. And the new tax revenues penalize businesses who have incurred substantial business losses.

Opening the economy is the real answer. Keeping it closed has caused this malaise. Businesses generate tax revenues. Opening California is the right direction to go in addressing this budget crisis. The sooner the better.Moorlach has served on the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review since he was elected to serve in the Senate in 2015.

State Senator John M. W. Moorlach represents the 37th district of California which encompasses Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, Tustin, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Orange. Senator Moorlach is a trained Certified Financial Planner and the only trained CPA in the California Senate.

COSTA MESA, CA – Sen. John M. W. Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s order to close Orange County beaches:

“Governor Newsom just doesn’t seem to get it.

“Orange County residents have been responsible. They’ve followed healthcare officials’ prudent recommendations and respected the science. The County hasn’t seen the ‘surge’ in its hospitals, and six weeks into this shelter-in-place order, the beach may be the best medicine.

“We need to trust people. If our citizens exercise proper social distancing, then we should allow access to the beaches. If you’re part of a vulnerable group, shame on you for going to the beach.

“Indeed, we allow shoppers to go to the grocery store with proper social distancing. Why not the beaches?

“Let’s continue to allow the science and facts be our guide. With proper social distancing, the beaches can offer an important relief from the stresses of this pandemic. Let people have access to these facilities.”

State Senator John M. W. Moorlach represents the 37th district of California which encompasses Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, Tustin, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Orange. Senator Moorlach is a trained Certified Financial Planner and the only trained CPA in the California Senate.